ore'  i 


EudenicH.Schroeder 


2-' 


THE  TORCH 

AND  OTHER  POEMS 


THE  TORCH 

AND  OTHER  POEMS 


BY 

EUGENIE  H.  SCHROEDER 


SAN  FRANCISCO 
MDCCCCXXI 


3 

• 


COPYRIGHT  1921 

BY 
EUGENIE  H.  SCHROEDER 


PRESS  OF 

G.  H.  McCALLUM  COMPANY 
SAN  FRANCISCO,  CALIFORNIA 


THOUGHTS  HOVER  NEAR  IN  QUIET  HOURS, 
LIKE  BUTTERFLIES  WINGING  O'ER  FRAGRANT  FLOWERS; 
'   IN  RHYTHMIC  MEASURE,  FLOWING  FREE, 
I'VE  GATHERED  SOME,  IN  LOVE,  FOR  THEE. 


94.1270 


DEDICATION 

In  loving  friendship  to  Mrs.  A.  W.  Scott,  our  Florence 
Nightingale,  who  kept  the  torch  alight  in  love  and  service, 
in  our  hearts  and  homes,  I  tender  this  little  volume  of  verses 
for  the  benefit  of  our  "Boys"  who  fought  so  valiantly  in  the 
cause  of  humanity,  justice  and  peace. 

EUGENIE  H.  SCHROEDER. 


CONTENTS 

The  Echo  (To  Our  "Boys") 10 

Old  Glory's  Call 12 

The  Torch 13 

Why   Weep 14 

Lilac  Time             16 

Ode  to  Music 17 

Wanted  a  Playmate  (A  Baby  Seal's  Lament)       ...  18 

(An  Episode  of  the  Exposition) 

Springtime's  Message   (Easter  Convocation)         .        .         .20 

A  Pocket  Fairy  (A  Tiny  Doll  to  a  Little  Girl)             .        .  21 

Heart's  Desire .22 

The  Garden  Thought            24 

Verses  to  California's  Poet  Laureate 26 

Ships  That  Pass  (Ship  Ahoy) 28 

Sequoias  Gigantea            30 

The  Golden  Gate 31 

Ode  to  a  Poet-Weaver  (A  Tilikar) 32 

Organ  Voices      .          .          .          .          .           ...  35 

You  and  I 36 

Legend  of  Skagg's  Springs     ......  38 

The  Builder 40 

Our  Flag  (A  War  Song) 42 

The  Gleam        ....  .  .43 

Come,  Come  to  Poppy-Land 46 


uv;3  THE  ECHO- 

'  (To  Our  "Boys.") 


Disabled !  Disabled !  is  heard  on  every  side, 
Echo  answers,  "Able,"  and  rings  from  tide  to  tide ; 
O'er  hill  and  dale  the  glad  refrain  is  heard  from  belfry 

tower, 
The  harmony  to  heaven  flows  from  morn  to  midnight 

hour. 

Disabled — able — and  how  the  soul  is  stilled, 

All  heads  are  bowed  in  silent  prayer,  with  love  each 

soul  is  filled. 

Accept  with  grace  thy  lot,  and  build  thy  life  anew ; 
Retain,  improve,  exalt,  the  beautiful,  the  true. 

A  diadem  is  resting  on  each  brow  that  fought  for  peace, 

Recognition  by  the  Master  that  man-made  wars  should 
cease ; 

In  each  warrior's  soul  a  torch,  of  consciousness  new 
born, 

The  glory  of  great  freedom  comes  to  light  the  early 
morn. 

Echo  answers  truly — and  in  centuries  to  come 

Our  brave  and  valiant  warriors  will  have  their  praises 

sung; 

For  they  have  enabled  all  the  world  to  reach  the  goal — 
Freedom,    peace,    and   benediction    brought  to  every 

living  soul. 


[101 


The  mighty  hosts  of  heaven,  who  watched  the  battle's 

din, 
Knew  the  flowing  of  the  blood  meant  the  washing  out 

of  sin; 
No  other  way  to  stem  the  tide  of  hate  and  lust  for 

power; 

The  earth  was  clothed  with  darkness  all  through  the 
trying  hour. 

But  the  promise  had  been  given  by  the  King  of  all 

the  earth — 
Foretold  by  three  Wise  Men  as  they  met  at  Jesus' 

birth— 

That  a  new  age  would  awaken,  a  greater  life  abound, 
Brotherhood  and  love  be  rampant,  and  liberty  be  found. 

"He  that  loseth  his  life  for  my  sake  shall  find  it,"  the 

Master  said; 

Or  proffer  a  cup  of  water,  or  lift  a  weary  head. 
A  sparrow  never  falleth  but  the  Father  marks  the  fall, 
And  is  ready  with  a  blessing  at  the  wounded  soldier's 

call. 

A  cross  was  laid  upon  you,  but  we'll  help  you  on  the  way 
Till  the  greatest  Warrior  calls  you  to  His  eternal  day. 
His  answer  ever  ready :  "0  my  beloved  son, 
You  have  fought  the  fiercest  battle — that  of  self — and 
you  have  won." 


[HI 


OLD   GLORY'S  CALL. 


Awake!  Arise!  Old  Glory  calls! 

Her  banner  waves  on  high, 
Where  freedom  rings  from  shore  to  shore, 

And  mighty  hosts  reply. 
Where  tumult  of  the  battle-cry 

And  blasts  of  war  resound, 
There  will  the  starry  banner  fly 

And  liberty  be  found. 
Then  peace  and  brotherhood  will  reach 

Across  the  shining  sea, 
And  patriots'  dreams  be  realized 

Throughout  eternity. 


[12] 


*     J'l     •    ««,«,»,      .     «,     •'""»' 
J-  'i  •-*  *'  ';'..•  <„*•  •     °  <j» 


THE  TORCH. 


The  torch  is  the  symbol  of  light  divine 

To  illumine  the  soul  in  its  quest  sublime. 

Elysian  fields  the  spirit  is  seeking, 

The  flame  lights  the  way  to  the  tryst  it  is  keeping. 

Spirit  struggles  and  wings  its  flight  to  be  free, 
To  reach  the  land  of  Ultimate  Destiny ; 
The  spark  of  life  is  forever  burning, 
The  spirit  of  flame  to  its  source  returning. 

Yet  to  be  solved  is  the  riddle  of  life. 
Tossed  like  a  feather  from  pleasure  to  strife, 
Vanished  illusion,  'twixt  waking  and  dreaming, 
Through  darkest  night  the  torch  ever  is  gleaming. 

Oftimes  the  travelers  grow  weary  and  fall, 
Yet  angels  await  the  wanderer's  call. 
From  realms  of  peace  is  obliviously  flowing 
Torrents  of  power  to  keep  the  torch  glowing. 

From  earth's  veiled  trance  the  soul  at  last  wakes, 
Stands  free,  untrammeled,  as  life's  morning  breaks. 
God's  love,  the  torch,  deep  mysteries  of  being, 
The  spirit  at  last  meets  Spirit  All-seeing. 


[13] 


WHY  WEEP? 


Why  weep,  when  I  am  with  you  still? 

I've  only  left  this  house  of  clay 
To  journey  on  to  other  worlds 

And  seek  a  land  that  is  all  day. 

I  leave  one  covering  of  the  soul, 
And  now  I  stand  in  bright  array, 

With  clearer  view  of  life  divine, 
Clothed  in  God's  eternal  day. 

I'll  wait  and  watch  and  pray  for  all, 
And  in  the  sanctuary  of  your  soul 

I  will  send  peace  and  love  and  light 
To  point  the  way  to  higher  goal. 

And  when  you  linger  on  the  brink, 
Remember  I  am  waiting  there 

To  guide  you  o'er  the  river  swift, 
And  lead  you  to  a  land  more  fair. 

I'll  tarry  till  the  cosmic  wave 
Returns  to  waken  great  desire 

To  work  amongst  my  fellow-men 
And  with  the  fires  of  life  inspire. 


[14] 


So  dry  your  tears,  and  from  your  soul 
Send  thoughts  of  joy  and  peace  and  love. 

Each  vibrant  wave  of  thought  a  form 
Will  reach  me  in  these  realms  above. 

Though  gilded  cage  the  bird  may  have, 

Still  he  a  prisoner  in  it  lives, 
'Till  someone  opens  wide  the  door 

And  once  again  his  freedom  gives. 

So  save  thy  tears  for  earthly  woes, 
Yet  put  a  flower  on  memory's  bier, 

For  I  am  here  amongst  you  all, 

And  peaceful  smile  on  all  most  dear. 

I'll  often  linger  in  your  midst 

And  urge  you  on  to  greater  deeds, 

For  I  have  only  gone  ahead 
To  gather  the  diviner  seeds. 

There  is  one  thing  the  world  needs  know, 
There  is  one  balm  for  human  woe, 

There  is  one  way  to  heaven  above ; 
That  way  is  sympathy  and  love. 


F15] 


LILAC  TIME. 


Oh,  for  a  breath  of  the  lilac 

In  the  early  dewy  morn ! 
Oh,  for  the  zephyrs  of  springtime 

And  the  caroling  birds  in  song! 
All  nature  from  sleep  is  awaking, 

Kissed  by  the  roseate  dawn, 
When  the  lilac  buds  burst  into  blossom 

And  the  winter's  snows  are  gone. 


[16] 


ODE   TO   MUSIC. 


Oh,  melodies  that  stir  the  soul, 

From  unseen  realms  where  dreams  are  found, 

Rising  like  silent  birds  in  flight, 

Lost  to  the  eye  in  darkest  night. 

The  spirit  bursts  its  earthly  bonds, 
O'erwhelms  the  heart  in  mystic  thrill ; 
Each  atom  joins  chord  that  swings 
Above  the  woof  of  finite  things. 

The  soughing  pines  of  forest  deep 
Chant  tales  of  love  in  hidden  sleep  ; 
The  whispering  winds,  with  voices  free, 
Re-echo  over  hill  and  lea. 

The  gleaming  rivers  rhythmic  breath, 
The  babbling  brook  with  laughter  wild, 
Voices  of  nature  free  and  strong, 
All  join  the  chorus  of  the  song. 

From  misty  vales,  where  shadows  lie, 
That  lead  to  tangled  haunted  hills, 
Sweet  melodies  of  fantasy 
Ascend  from  rustling  grass  and  tree. 

The  soul  is  filled  with  life  divine, 
The  muse  a  vision  at  the  shrine, 
Sound  mingled  in  a  magic  lure 
To  realms  beyond  "unseen,  unsure." 

A  messenger  of  God  is  she 
Who  brings  to  life  sweet  melody. 
Earth  voices  join  with  heavenly  strains, 
Life's  harmony  in  the  soul  remains. 


[17] 


WANTED:   A  PLAYMATE. 
(A  Baby  Seal's  Lament.) 

I'm  a  friend  of  the  little  Duck-baby 
Who  lives  near  the  Jewel  Tower; 

We  played  with  the  ducks  in  the  garden 
All  through  the  midnight  hour. 

But  one  night,  all  of  a  sudden 
The  lights  went  out  overhead, 

And  when  I  came  to  my  playmate 
The  little  Duck-baby  was  dead. 

His  little  bronze  heart  was  broken 
And  the  ducks  had  flown  away. 

I  went  back  to  my  home  in  the  ocean 
And  forever  alone  I  stay. 

I  live  on  a  neighboring  island 
And  sleep  on  the  ocean's  breast, 

Where  the  great  white  ships  are  sailing 
To  the  harbor  of  safety  and  rest. 

Since  the  Duck-baby  fell  in  the  bushes 
And  the  beautiful  Tower  is  dark, 

I'm  lonely  for  want  of  a  playmate, 
And  it's  cold  and  dark  in  the  park. 

A  little  white  sea-gull  told  me  , 

That  up  on  a  high,  high  hill 
A  light  from  a  window  was  shining 

When  all  was  dark  and  still. 

And  at  the  window,  watching, 

Was  a  lady  wondrous  fair, 
With  eyes  so  blue  and  tender, 

And  sunshine  in  her  hair. 

[18] 


I  thought,  maybe,  she  would  let  me 
Be  her  playmate  forever  more, 

Keep  me  close  to  her  warm,  loving  heart 
Through  the  fog  and  the  ocean's  roar. 

I  will  promise  to  love  her  dearly 
With  my  watery,  cold  little  heart ; 

My  furry  coat  will  warm  her, 
And  nevermore  need  we  part. 

Will  you  take  me  home,  fair  lady, 
And  clasp  me  close  to  your  breast  ? 

I  cannot  sing,  but  I'll  bark  for  you 
When  the  city  has  gone  to  rest. 

The  light  of  my  love  will  burn  ever, 
And  when  stars  are  twinkling  on  high 

We'll  talk  to  the  little  Duck-baby 
Who  lives  in  the  blue,  blue  sky. 

Maybe  he'll  tell  us  the  secret 

Of  the  life  beyond  the  veil, 
Where  the  children  are  never  lonesome 

And  friendships  never  fail. 

I've  come  such  a  long  way  to  find  you, 
From  the  cliffs  in  the  ocean's  spray; 

If  you'll  love  me  forever  and  ever 
I'll  drive  all  dull  care  away. 

And  we  can  go  on  together — 

For  I  know  there's  a  hand  that  guides 
All  children  who  love  each  other 

Through  the  winds  and  storms  and  tides. 


[19] 


SPRINGTIME'S    MESSAGE 
(Easter  Convocation) 


Fleecy  snow-blossoms  gently  falling 
On  Mother  Earth's  fair  breast ; 

List !  the  mating  birds'  low  calling, 
Rocked  in  sheltered  nest. 

Bleating  lambs  in  flower-strewn  meadow, 

Lowing  cows  at  dawn; 
Every  brook  and  sparkling  river 

Sings  on  Easter  morn. 

Winged  insects  all  a-straying, 

Pollen  on  foot  and  wing; 
Bees  are  buzzing,  crickets  chirping, 

At  the  approach  of  Spring. 

Joyous  breezes  waft  the  blossoms, 

Rosy  and  white  and  gray; 
Tender  buds  of  pussy-willows 

In  Spring-triumph  sway. 

Springtime,  dawn  of  resurrection, 

When  all  Nature  wakes ; 
Lilies  bend  in  benediction, 

Easter  morning  breaks. 

God  is  love  and  peace  supernal, 

Dwelling  with  us  alway. 
Life  and  spirit  are  eternal, 

Christ  is  risen  today ! 

May  the  message  of  the  Springtime 

Thrill  with  Easter  cheer; 
Nature  tells  the  joyous  story, 

Our  Risen  Lord  is  here. 


[20] 


A  POCKET  FAIRY. 
(A  Tiny  Doll  to  a  Little  Girl.) 

I'm  a  little  pocket  fairy, 

My  name  is  "Happy-Day" ; 
I've  come  to  be  your  playmate, 

By  your  side  forever  stay. 
I  will  sleep  beneath  your  pillow, 

Nestle  in  your  sunny  curls, 
Hide  within  your  little  pocket 

When  you  play  with  boys  and  girls. 

When  out  walking  with  your  Mama 

I  will  creep  in  little  glove, 
And  when  Papa  takes  you  driving 

I  will  fill  your  heart  with  love. 
Just  be  careful,  please  don't  lose  me, 

For  I'm  very  small,  I  know; 
Still,  my  heart  is  full  of  sunshine, 

For  the  bluebirds  tell  me  so. 

Fairies,  weave  a  necklace  golden 

For  my  sweetheart,  every  day; 
String  the  twinkling  stars  upon  it, 

So  to  lighten  life's  pathway; 
Place  a  dewdrop  for  a  pendant, 

Like  a  pearl  from  out  the  sea. 
Always  wear  the  Fairies'  necklace 

And  your  life  will  happy  be. 

[21] 


HEART'S  DESIRE. 


Dear  Maiden,  queen  of  this  festal  day, 
Wreathed  and  decked  in  bridal  attire ; 

The  old,  old  story  again  is  told, 

Hope,  youth,  love,  and  heart's  desire. 

Childhood  gathers  the  flowers  on  moss-paved  way ; 

Maidenhood  roams  in  tranced  amaze ; 
The  Prince  comes  by,  and  his  touch  awakes 

In  her  heart  the  love  that  ever  stays. 

Where  San  Carlos'  rolling  foothills  rise 

Is  a  garden  where  blossoms  scent  the  breeze ; 

A  lark  sends  up  his  carol  gay ; 

Golden  poppies  paint  the  sunny  leas. 

In  this  garden  a  stately  red  rose  grew, 
A  tiny  bud,  kissed  by  the  pearly  dew ; 

Gentle  zephyrs  rocked  it  to  and  fro 

As  the  silver  moon-rays  shimmered  through. 

The  golden  radiance  of  the  morn 

Veiled  in  glory  the  rose's  breast; 
The  noon-day  breeze  through  the  scented  trees 

Impressed  a  kiss  in  fond  caress. 

She  swayed  and  lifted  her  petals  rare 
And  opened  her  heart  to  the  burning  light ; 

"So  much  love  passes  by,"  she  said, 
And  blushed  in  her  soul's  new  delight. 


F22] 


The  stars  look  down  on  a  cloudless  night, 
On  Cupid's  haunted,  shadowed  bowers, 

And  laugh  at  love  lurking  everywhere 
'Neath  the  petals  of  the  sleeping  flowers. 

A  rustle  is  heard  in  the  waving  palms ; 

The  heart  of  the  rose  is  stirred  to  unrest 
As  a  bold  West  Wind  comes  rushing  along 

In  a  crucial  and  secret  quest. 

Like  an  avalanche  dashing  from  snowy  height 

The  West  Wind  in  wild  unrest 
Ruthlessly  grasps  the  stately  flower, 

Crushing  it  to  his  beating  breast. 

For  the  bold  West  Wind  loves  this  beautiful  rose, 
As  his  lips  to  its  fragrant  petals  press.^ 

In  summer  and  winter  when  winds  are  high 
You  will  hear  the  murmur  of  soft  caress. 

So  the  sweet  old  story  again  is  told, 

And  Cupid  is  lurking  ever  near. 
Love  is  always  the  warrior  bold 

Who  grasps  the  prize,  without  a  fear. 

Life  and  love  under  every  guise 

Will  always  respond  to  a  heart  on  fire ; 

And  life's  true  light  will  lead  the  way 

For  the  conqu'ror  Love  and  his  "Heart's  Desire." 


[23] 


THE  GARDEN  OF  THOUGHT 


The  Universe  is  a  wondrous  thing, 

All  color,  all  light,  all  sound; 
A  paradise  above  and  below, 

Filled  with  toys  for  God's  playground. 

The  stars  are  jewels  set  on  high ; 

The  sun  a  living  fire ; 
The  planets  moving  'round  in  space, 

By  the  power  of  God's  desire. 

Atoms  tossed  on  the  human  wave, 

By  the  ebb  and  flow,  evolve, 
'Till  a  mind  awakes  like  unto  His 

Trying  Life's  riddle  to  solve. 

God  smiles  as  His  children  struggle  on, 
For  they  think  they  are  things  apart. 

How  He  watches  them  grow  as  the  ages  pass, 
Like  a  mother  with  loving  heart. 

At  last  in  this  garden  of  Thought  Divine 

God  culls  every  flower  and  weed 
With  infinite  care  in  the  store-house  of  Life 

Is  stored  every  little  seed. 


F24] 


The  Spirit  hovers  with  brooding  wings, 

As  ages  on  ages  roll  by, 
'Till  an  answering  thrill  awakens  at  last, 

In  response  to  the  urge  most  high. 

Realization  to  all  the  world 

Has  come  with  dawning  sight; 
The  struggling  atoms  have  burst  their  bonds 

In  the  rays  of  the  Great  White  Light. 

Spirit  released,  returns  to  its  Source, 
Filled  wtih  love  and  glory  sublime. 

Involution  and  evolution  go  on 
Through  aeons  and  aeons  of  time. 

For  Spirit  had  no  beginning, 

And  never  will  cease  to  be. 
God's  thoughts  are  but  made  manifest 

In  life,  on  earth  and  sea. 

Today  we  KNOW  we  are  one  with  God, 

Fulfilling  His  heart's  desire. 
From  Life's  crucible  we  come  forth 

Pure  gold  from  the  Living  Fire. 


[25] 


VERSES  TO  CALIFORNIA'S  POET  LAUREATE. 


The  Poet's  soul,  like  mirrored  lake 
On  which  is  writ  in  symbols  clear 
The  messages  from  higher  sphere, 

Where  vibrant  thoughts  in  ripples  break 

As  o'er  the  waters  visions  pass, 

Reflections  cast  on  polished  glass. 

This  subtle  muse  with  mystic  lure 
We  try  to  grasp  in  longing  arms, 
To  feast  our  soul  on  wondrous  charms ; 
Elusive  spirit  hovering  near, 
Like  butterflies  o'er  scented  flowers, 
Or  nesting  birds  in  leafy  bowers. 

There  is  a  stirring  of  the  soul, 
And  in  the  stillness  spirit  wakes, 
And  at  the  birth  sweet  harmony  breaks. 

The  pictured  scenes  of  hill  and  dale, 

The  purling  brook,  the  surging  sea, 

All  join  in  nameless  melody. 

Diaphanous  clouds  like  phantoms  rise, 
Tinged  by  the  rosy  mists  of  morn 
When  each  new  golden  day  is  born. 

The  hourglass'  sands  are  sifting  fast ; 

The  sunset  fades  in  crimson  glow 

And  moonlight  falls  on  dazzling  snow. 

[26] 


The  soul,  overcharged  with  subtle  power, 
Breaks  earth's  fetters  in  wild  glee, 
Voices  its  rapture  to  be  free ; 
Words  rush  forth  from  streams  divine, 
The  Poet's  song,  in  rhythmic  tongue, 
As  nature's  harmonies  are  sung. 

And  joining  in  angelic  choir, 

All  wanderers  through  the  drift  of  days 
Are  filled  with  love  and  hymns  of  praise. 
The  inner  sense  is  stilled  in  peace 
As  Poets  voice,  by  magic  wrought 
Enraptured  dreams  and  winged  thought. 


[27] 


SHIPS  THAT  PASS. 
(Ship  Ahoy) 

Sing  hoi,  ho-ye-ho,  for  the  open  sea ! 

Sing  hoi,  for  the  freshening  breeze ! 
Let  those  who  will  at  anchor  stay 

While  I  sail  on  the  storm-tossed  seas. 

On  the  outward  swing  of  the  rising  tide 
From  the  sheltered  harbor  near, 

My  boat  I'll  launch  and  sail  away, 
With  never  a  care  or  fear. 

Sing  hoi,  for  the  dangers  of  the  deep, 
Where  the  wild  storm-horses  race ! 

By  right  divine  I'll  seek  my  own, 
And  destiny  I'll  face. 

The  Ship  of  Fate  no  hand  can  stay : 

The  Isle  of  Dreams,  the  goal ; 
The  Captain  in  solitude  must  guide 

The  sea-tides  of  the  soul. 

Never  a  ship  puts  out  to  sea 

With  its  cargo  of  gladness  and  pain, 

When  storms  are  passed,  its  mission  fulfilled, 
But  at  last  the  port  will  gain. 

O  hoi-ye-ho  is  wafted  again 

O'er  waves  dashing  high  and  low ; 

The  winds  return  with  the  ship's  refrain, 
0  hoi-ye-ho !    Hoi-ye-ho ! 


[28] 


WHAT  HOI!  SHIP  AHOY!  SHIP  AHOY! 


Through  drifts  of  haze,  on  the  horizon  dim, 
With  sails  all  loosed  to  the  breeze, 
A  stately  ship  comes  sailing  along 
Like  a  wraith  from  the  trough  of  the  seas. 

Leaping  and  dancing  on  crested  wave, 

Borne  on  old  ocean's  breast, 
The  radiant  splendor  of  the  morn 

Sparkling  on  snowy  crest. 

She  comes  from  the  land  of  Paradise, 

The  Wishing  Isle  of  the  sea, 
Her  cargo  freighted  with  all  demands, 

Life's  gifts  for  you  and  for  me. 

The  ship  is  nearing  our  Summer  Land, 
Passing  through  our  Golden  Gate ; 

The  Captain  smiles  at  the  hustling  crowd, 
For  the  name  of  this  ship  is — Fate. 

Patiently  wait  till  she  reaches  port, 
Her  cargo  well  stored  in  the  hold; 

Every  wish  sent  with  strong  desire 
Will  return  to  each,  double-fold. 

The  ships  sail  outward  and  return, 

Bowing  o'er  billowy  swells ; 
Humanity  filled  with  hopes  and  desires 

Waves  welcomes  and  farewells. 


The  sea  calls,  and  calls; 

Tide  rises,  and  falls. 

The  echo  brings  back  the  refrain, 

Ohoi-ye-ho!    Ho-ye-ho!    Ho-ye-ho! 

Carrying  love,  again  and  again. 

[29] 


SEQUOIA  GIGANTEA. 


0  mighty  monarch  of  primeval  forest, 

Raising  proud  head  to  sapphire- vaulted  sky! 
In  California  alone,  Sequoia  Gigantea 

Groves  after  groves  live  and  reign  and  die. 
Stately  the  Redwood,  sentinel  of  the  forest, 

With  boughs  uplifted  to  the  scurrying  clouds, 
Column  on  column,  in  Titanic  splendor, 

Casting  long  shadows  in  evening's  mystic  shrouds. 
Guarding  hill  and  vale,  her  soul  is  stilled  in  wonder, 

Face  to  face  with  God  through  centuries  of  days ; 
Winds,  snows,  and  storms,  and  golden-tinted  sunsets 

Pass,  as  she  lifts  her  jeweled  arms  in  praise. 
Eyrie  nests  of  eagles  sway  amongst  her  tree-tops ; 

Tangles  of  ferns  are  nestling  at  her  feet; 
Brooks  laugh  and  dance,  and  murmur  nature's  love- 
songs  ; 

Bear,  deer,  and  game  mate  in  secure  retreat. 
0  Mother  Nature!  We  in  adoration 

Praise  thee,  as  all  thy  lavish  gifts  unfold. 
California !  the  Glory  of  Creation, 

Filled  with  her  splendors  of  treasures  manifold ! 


[30] 


THE  GOLDEN  GATE. 


In  the  early  mists  of  morning,  silence  reigns  supreme. 
List !  the  waters  softly  murmuring,  in  a  drift  of  dream. 
Dawn  comes  breaking  o'er  the  hilltops,  nature  is  awake, 
As  the  sun  gleams  on  the  waters  of  the  Golden  Gate. 
Noon  in  all  her  golden  glory  paints  the  sea  and  land, 
Jewels  sparkle  on  the  beaches  of  the  wave-washed  sand, 
Ships  are  passing,  heavy  laden,  thru  the  Golden  Gate. 
Hark!    the    call    of   bell    and    whistle   as    the    hour 

grows  late. 

Golden  orb  is  changed  to  crimson  on  the  horizon  dim, 
And  the  fiery  sparks  are  flickering  on  the  ocean's  rim ; 
Crested  wave  is  dancing  gaily  in  a  wild  delight, 
Opalescent  tints  of  twilight  turn  to  darkest  night. 
Life  is  like  the  ocean — restless,  changing  every  hour; 
Ebb  and  flow  go  on  forever,  watched  by  Supreme 

Power ; 
Phantom  ships  with  human  cargoes,  sailing  tow'rd 

life's  goal 
To  a  land  of  golden  glory — freedom  of  the  soul. 


[31] 


ODE  TO  A  POET-WEAVER. 


Our  poet-weaver,  in  leisure  moments,  weaves  beau 
tiful  Kashmir  shawls,  in  which  she  has  evolved  the 
path  of  life  in  colors. 

Tilikar  (originally  Persian),  a  shawl  woven  to 
gether  of  many  pieces,  embroidered  over.  Fleece  taken 
from  the  Pashim  shawl  goat.  These  shawls  are  made 
in  Kashmir,  elevated  region  of  Tibet.  An  inspired  San 
Francisco  woman  has  reproduced  the  art,  her  shawls 
showing  the  re-birth  of  San  Francisco. 

PROLOGUE. 

Crumbling  walls  of  brick  and  stone, 
Guarded  treasures  of  the  home, 
Dust  and  ashes,  forlorn,  alone. 

j 

Desolation  reigns  supreme, 
Wailing  ghosts  where'er  we  roam; 
A  fearful  nightmare,  a  waking  dream. 

A  city  beautiful  laid  low, 

Her  proud  head  bowed  in  sorrow's  gloom, 

Her  bosom  bared  to  tortures  slow. 

What  portent  lies  in  ashes  gray, 
Ye  gods  of  mighty  mysteries, 
But  weirs  of  a  forgotten  day? 


[32] 


Will  new  life  root  within  decay  ? 

All  things  must  change,  yet  never  die, 

Cleansed  by  the  fires  of  yesterday. 

The  endless  web  of  life  is  spun, 
Empires  rise,  and  kingdoms  fall 
As  each  new  morning  brings  the  sun. 

Yesterdays  are  past  and  gone, 
Life's  shuttle  weaves  its  Karmic  spell ; 
Tomorrow  is  a  soul  new  born. 


A   TILIKAR. 

0  Tilikar  of  softest  hue, 

Of  textiles  rare  of  Kashmir, 

Woven  with  threads  of  pearly  dew ! 

On  heights  of  snowy-crowned  Tibet 
Is  found  the  fleece  of  Pashim  goat, 
Where  Persia's  suns  in  glory  set. 

This  fabric  woven  of  the  dawn, 
With  glint  of  opalescent  sea, 
Blending  shades  of  dreams  unborn. 

On  rosy  drifts  of  early  day, 
Scurrying  clouds  on  silver  wings, 
The  spirit  wends  its  joyous  way. 

[33] 


A  symphony  harmonious, 
Body,  soul,  and  spirit  join 
In  chords  of  life  victorious. 

From  out  the  crucible's  hot  blast, 
Life  Phoenix  rising  from  the  void, 
A  wraith  of  glories  of  the  past. 

Red  pulsing  stream  of  life  awakes, 
With  brilliant  hues  of  every  clime, 
And  dawning  of  a  new  age  breaks. 

In  riot  mad  are  colors  blent, 
Desire  supreme  in  chaos  reigns, 
By  force  of  harmony  out-spent. 

In  drifting  haze  of  skies  so  blue, 

We  sense  afar  a  gleam  divine, 

With  streams  of  sunlight  woven  through. 

The  gossamer  thread  has  reached  its  goal, 
Where  flights  of  winged  dreams  reveal 
Enraptured  visions  to  the  soul. 

The  paths  of  life  are  linked  by  fate, 
In  symbols  all  around  us  hid, 
Till  life  and  love  and  spirit  mate. 


[34] 


ORGAN  VOICES. 


Out  of  the  silence  of  the  early  dawn 

I  hear  the  rushing-  river's  wordless  song ; 

A  rhythmic  beat  of  Mother  Nature  born 
Grows  loud  and  louder  as  it  floats  along. 

Waters  flowing  through  the  chasms  deep 
Where  silver  fishes  silent  vigils  keep ; 
Through  fields  of  flowers  fragrant  with  the  day, 
The  sun  is  kissing  evening  mists  away. 

Waterfalls  in  dancing,  dashing  spray, 
A  bridal  veil  of  lace  in  gleaming  day ; 
Priceless  jewels  bedeck  her  bosom  fair 
And  pearls  are  strung  amongst  her  misty  hair. 

Over  rocks  and  underneath  the  trees 
Ceaseless  song  is  carried  on  the  breeze. 
Sweet  and  low  is  Nature's  mystic  strain, 
And  winds  take  up  and  echo  the  refrain. 

Phantom  voices  in  illusive  call, 
The  Loreli  awaits  the  mortal's  fall. 
Life's  symphony  of  pleasure  and  of  pain 
Voiced  by  the  organ,  in  melodious  strain. 


[35] 


YOU  AND  I. 


We  have  no  need  of  an  album  old 

With  pictures  of  bygone  days, 
Tokens  crammed  in  forgotten  chests, 

Treasures  garnered  from  life's  pathways. 

Jewels  rare  from  the  storehouse  of  life  long  passed, 

And  friendship's  fond  caress, 
To  lighten  with  their  radiant  gleam 

As  we  press  them  to  our  breast. 

You  and  I  and  the  world,  dear  friend, 

As  time  moves  on  apace, 
Eons  and  eons  and  eons  of  time 

Are  only  moments  in  space. 

Eidelweiss  growing  on  snowy  Alps 

Does  not  guess  of  the  blush  of  the  rose, 

Heliotrope  and  meadow  rue 
Down  where  the  river  flows. 

Continents  peopled  with  struggling  souls 

From  farther  ocean's  shores, 
We  meet  and  touch  and  part  awhile, 

All  governed  by  Nature's  laws. 


[36] 


Greater  consciousness  pervading  all, 

A  land  of  contemplation, 
Where  friend  meets  friend  in  harmony, 

The  land  of  realization. 

This  silent  place  of  the  soul  divine, 
Where  the  sheath  or  husk  falls  away ; 

The  present  submerged  in  passing  time, 
The  vision  is  with  us  alway. 

You  and  I  and  the  world,  dear  one, 
Friends  we  have  always  been; 

The  greater  life  pervading  all 
Makes  the  friends  of  life  all  kin. 

Seeking  at  will  in  the  silence  within 

The  friend  we  long  to  meet ; 
With  outstretched  hands  she  welcomes  us 

To  her  home  in  the  soul's  retreat. 

The  greater  Consciousness,  knowing  all, 

Smiles  as  in  contemplation. 
Life  is  so  ageless  and  so  still, 

Blending  all  in  realization. 


[37] 


LEGEND   OF   SKAGGS   SPRINGS. 


Far  away  from  the  city's  ceaseless  din, 

In  fair  Sonoma' s  hills, 
Where  all  the  world  from  near  and  far 

Comes  to  visit  its  mountains  and  rills. 

Once  on  a  time,  a  garden  it  was 

Where  dwelt  a  maiden  fair; 
Into  the  mirrored  waters  she  looked 

While  combing  her  dusky  hair. 

When  the  silvery  moon  came  over  the  hills 
She  would  wish  for  a  lover  divine ; 

The  man  in  the  moon  smiled  back  at  her 
And  whispered,  "Do  not  repine. 

"I  will  send  you  a  lover  with  burning  breath 
Who  will  clasp  you  in  warm  embrace, 

And  carry  you  into  the  depths  of  earth 
To  his  palace  in  subterrene  place." 

So  the  maiden  waited  beside  the  stream, 
And  hope  and  love  filled  her  heart ; 

Waiting  her  mate  in  the  silent  night — 
The  lover  she  ne'er  would  part. 

When  all  of  a  sudden  a  terrible  noise — 
Jove's  thunderbolts  struck  the  land. 

The  rocks  were  rent,  and  waters  gushed  forth 
From  the  cauldron  of  burning  sand. 


[38] 


A  form  appeared  to  this  terrified  maid 
In  the  steam  from  the  smouldering  fires, 

And  he  grasped  her  close  in  his  warm  embrace, 
This  spirit  of  earthly  desires. 

And  into  the  steaming  pool  they  sank, 

To  his  palace  in  depths  below ; 
And  the  maid  of  fair  Sonoma' s  hills 

Was  consumed  in  the  burning  flow. 

But  her  heart  was  so  pure  that  the  boiling  lake 

Was  filled  with  her  virtues  rare; 
The  waters  were  charged  with  elements  strange 

From  the  soul  of  this  maiden  fair. 

So  on  the  nights  when  the  wishing  moon's  rays 

Lure  lovers  to  mirrored  brink, 
You  can  see  the  breath  of  this  spirit  forlorn 

Where  mortals  come  to  drink. 

To  those  who  quaff,  this  water  so  pure 

Beauty  and  health  freely  brings ; 
They'll  find  youth  renewed  in  Elixir  of  Life 

At  the  steaming  pool  of  Skaggs  Springs. 


[39] 


THE  BUILDER. 


What  do  we  trace  in  the  struggle  of  life 
Existence  from  mollusc  to  man? 

What  cause  for  demolition  and  reconstruction 
Since  eons  of  time  began? 

Who  the  Builder,  the  Archeus  Divine, 
Of  advancements  of  type  and  plan, 

Highest  ideals  in  structural  forms, 
Till  we  now  have  the  Super-man  ? 

Ceaselessly  building  and  moulding  anew 
From  garments  worn  in  the  past, 

Re-clothing  Itself  in  substance 
As  long  as  life  shall  last. 

Over  and  over  a  myriad  times 

The  tireless  Architect  makes 
A  shape  that  reaches  the  form  of  me; 

Then — I  am ;  that  I  am,  awakes. 

Spirit  from  ethers  pervading  all 

Builds  eternally  life  and  light; 
On  the  face  of  the  waters  makes  manifest 

Morning  and  noon  and  night. 


[40] 


Permanent  substance  remains  the  same, 

Afloat  on  the  cosmic  sea; 
Only  a  change  to  form  more  devine, 

The  spiritual  man  to  be. 

Building  each  time  on  a  better  plan, 

What  can  the  object  be? 
Through  long  succession  of  varied  forms, 

What  the  aim  of  the  spirit  of  me  ? 

The  Builder — God,  the  Creator, 
Author,  Finisher,  since  life  began ; 

Spirit,  omniprescent,  omnipotent, 
One  Power — I  am,  that  I  am. 


[411 


OUR  FLAG. 
(Song — First  Verse  and  Chorus.) 

Tramp,  tramp,  tramp,  tramp!    Tramp,  tramp,  tramp! 

Hark  to  the  bugle  call! 
See  the  Stars  and  Stripes  a-floating  in  the  breeze ; 

Never  shall  the  banner  fall! 

Pershing  is  our  leader ;  we'll  hurry  over  there. 

List  to  the  battle  song! 
Join  the  mighty  army  on  land  and  sea  and  air. 

Hurry,  boys!    Hurry  right  along! 

Mothers,  sisters,  sweethearts  speed  us  on  our  way 

As  we  go  marching  by. 
Every  star  in  heaven  calls  us  to  the  fray. 

Onward,  comrades,  onward !    Do  or  die ! 

Tramp,  tramp,  tramp!    We're  coming  right  along, 

Our  flag  will  set  you  free ; 
Uncle  Sam  has  called,  Old  Glory  is  unfurled— 

On,  boys !    On  to  Victory ! 


[42] 


THE  GLEAM. 


The  rushing  crowd  goes  madly  by 

On  vital  mission  bent, 
Each  one  a  unit  in  the  throng, 

With  soul  by  tumult  rent. 

Desire  pulsing  through  the  veins 
For  gold  and  place  and  fame ; 

A  never-ceasing  appetite 
For  pleasures  but  in  name. 

Old  and  young,  emotions  seek, 

Regardless  of  the  cost 
To  home,  to  city,  or  to  state, 

Nor  count  the  final  loss. 

No  youth,  no  home,  no  children  more, 

But  all  in  mad  desire 
To  rush  the  day  as  quick  they  may, 

Consumed  by  human  fire. 

Snatched  by  the  whirlwind  rushing  by, 
Crushed  in  its  rough  embrace, 

Bruised  on  the  way  by  stones  and  thorns 
Till  scars  mar  soul  and  face. 

Is  there  no  way  to  stem  the  tide 
With  flotsam  and  jetsam  afloat? 

Is  there  no  power  in  heaven  or  earth 
To  send  out  a  line  or  life-boat? 


[43] 


Behold  the  yield  of  the  poisonous  weeds 
Of  scandal  and  hate  and  crime; 

Man  is  the  field  and  his  thoughts  are  seeds, 
And  the  harvest  is  reaped  in  time. 

What  has  been  sown  will  yield  hundredfold ; 

The  fruit  is  like  the  seed: 
Peace  and  love  and  joy  sublime 

Never  sprang  from  a  noxious  weed. 

Each  one  has  problems  to  be  solved, 

And  each  must  solve  his  own. 
The  measure  of  his  real  worth  lies 

In  his  service  to  man  alone. 

The  world's  great  war  o'er  land  and  sea, 
The  earth  overflown  with  blood, 

May  cleanse  the  thoughts  of  a  coming  race 
Emerging  from  mortal  flood. 

Awake!  Arise!  and  onward  march 

With  standards  carried  high ; 
The  watchwords,  Love,  and  Joy,  and  Peace, 

Send  vibrant  to  the  sky. 


[44] 


And  in  each  heart  let  voice  respond, 

Illumined  by  living  fire, 
For  spirit  waits  with  longing  great, 

Fulfilling  God's  desire. 

A  gleam  is  seen  of  an  age  to  come — 
A  race  so  brave  and  strong — 

A  glorious  life  of  brotherhood 
Marching  in  rapturous  throng. 

Enlightenment  will  flood  the  earth, 
Intolerance  be  submerged 

Beneath  the  human  wave  of  love, 
And  heaven  and  earth  be  merged. 

A  Golden  Age,  a  glorious  race, 
When  man-made  wars  shall  cease, 

The  people  all  redeeemd  and  freed 
By  the  reign  of  eternal  peace. 


[45] 


COME,  COME  TO  POPPY-LAND. 


Where  vaulted  sky  is  clear  and  blue, 
At  night  the  twinkling  stars  shine  through ; 
The  waters  green  of  tranquil  bay, 
Where  shoals  of  fishes  sport  and  play ; 
The  silver  sands  reflect  the  light 
Of  golden  sun  or  moonlit  night; 
The  hills  in  opalescent  haze 
Lure  travelers  up  the  mountain  ways ; 
The  fields  of  poppies,  fresh  with  dew, 
And  larkspurs  sway  in  dress  of  blue; 
The  sun  is  shining  all  the  day, 
Kissing  the  morning  mists  away. 
Come,  come  to  Poppy-Land ! 


[46] 


EUGENIE  H.  SCHROEDER 


Photomount 

Pamphlet 

Binder 

Gaylord  Bros.,  Inc. 

Makers 

Stockton,  Calif. 
PAT.  JAN.  21,  1908 


14401 


941270 


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